Field Hockey Season Outlook
August 26, 2014 | Field Hockey
The 2014 season marks the beginning of a new era as the University of Louisville field hockey team embarks on its inaugural year in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Led by head coach Justine Sowry who is entering her fourth season at the helm, the Cardinals enter the season on the heels of one of the most successful seasons in school history. With the return of eight starters from last year's team and the addition of five talented newcomers, UofL is in prime position to compete in what is arguably the toughest conference in Division I field hockey.
"We couldn't be more excited to join the illustrious teams within the ACC and be part of something very special," said Sowry. "It shows great faith in our UofL athletic abilities and the steep academic trajectory that we are on. I am very proud to be leading the program into 2014 and beyond."
Looking back
The 2013 Cardinals posted a 15-5 record - the most wins since 2001 - and earned a share of the BIG EAST regular season title with a 6-1 record in league play. Additionally, Louisville registered a perfect 10-0 record at Trager Stadium for the first time in program history. The Cardinals finished the season ranked No. 15 and were a mainstay in the 2013 NFHCA top 20 rankings, appearing as high as No. 14 where they spent four weeks.
"Last season was a great year with many achievements and successes," said Sowry. "We feel blessed that the BIG EAST provided an opportunity for incredible competition that has prepared us for this upcoming season. Having a share of the regular BIG EAST Championship was well deserved by our hard working team."
Before starting a new chapter, the Cardinals must bid a fond farewell to the senior class of 2013: Michelle Amon, Kelsey Rosenmeier and Erin Schneidtmiller. All three were starters and integral parts of Louisville's 2013 conference championship team. Schneidtmiller was an All-BIG EAST and NFHCA All-West Region selection in 2013 and was third on the team in points (21) and goals (9).
"There is no doubt that our departing senior class, albeit small in size, left a legacy that will be remembered," said Sowry. "Each led with tremendous heart, courage and commitment to our team for four years. We will miss them and we will continue to move forward. With that, opportunities will be given for new leaders and contributors to emerge and take our team into the formidable ACC."
Entering the season
The University of Louisville field hockey team enters their Aug. 29 season opener against Saint Louis ranked No. 15 in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Preseason rankings . Returning from the 2013 team are eight starters including: BIG EAST Rookie of the Year Shannon Sloss as well as NFHCA All-West Region and all-conference selections Alyssa Voelmle, Sydney King and Elisa Garcia.
Coach Sowry expects solid performances from the returners in the face of one of the toughest schedules in school history. "We have a large squad that can give us depth in all positions. We can expect healthy competition for playing time and starting positions across all lines. We have no time to wait for things to happen, it is going to be full steam ahead from day one of preseason. Our coaching staff, with our new addition Roz Ellis, is committed to preparing for the tough competition and getting the most out of our team. Our schedule is one of the most difficult and challenging and that is what we are most ecstatic about. To be the best, you have to play the best and beat the best."
2014 Outlook by Position
Goalkeeper
In the cage, the Cardinals will look to junior Sydney King to pick up where she left off in 2013. As a sophomore, King played nearly every minute of Louisville's 20 games and earned All-BIG EAST and All-NFHCA West Region honors after posting a 1.41 goals against average. Redshirt freshman Elina Pereira will also compete for playing time after sitting out last fall, but participating in the spring season.
"Elina and Sydney shared time in the goal this past spring which adds depth to our goalkeeping position," said Sowry. "Both are very capable and have different strengths that complement each other and the team."
Defense
The Cardinals will boast a strong and experienced defense after returning every defender from last season. Senior Alyssa Voelmle is a three-time all-conference selection and has contributed on the offensive end of the field as well, scoring a team-high 11 goals in 2013. Fellow senior Mallory Mason is also a three-year starter and veteran member of the Cards' defensive unit.
Field captain and two-year starter junior Victoria Stratton will help take charge of the backfield. Senior Hannah Boyle, junior Lizi Kuhl and sophomores Erin McCrudden, Gianna Perrone will also provide valuable depth in the backfield.
"We have a great deal of leadership and experience within this vital line of defense and expect Vic Stratton, Alyssa Voelmle and Mallory Mason to play important roles with leadership, absorbing pressure and starting our attacking play from the backfield," said Sowry. "We could also see some new faces at the back."
Midfield
With the graduation of Kelsey Rosenmeier, the Cardinals will lose some experience in the midfield, but the return of senior Paige Monsen and junior Elisa Garcia will provide steady, veteran leadership. Monsen dished out a team-high 10 assists in 2013 while Garcia was an all-conference and all-West Region selection last season. Juniors Megan Anstotz and Katharine Gwynne-Wood, sophomore Lotta Kahlert, redshirt freshman Stephanie Byrne and freshmen Abby Grimes and Renee DuFour will also compete for a starting role and contribute in the midfield.
"We lose one of our consistent midfielders from last year's squad but gives an opportunity for some other players to step up and take more of a leadership role," said Sowry. "Expect both Paige Monsen and Elisa Garcia to lead, direct and control the tempo in the middle of the field. Their level of play and experience will be critical to our success. Lotta Kahlert and Meg Anstotz will have opportunity to play more minutes and contribute in positive manner."
Forward line
UofL will feel the departure of 2013 seniors Erin Schneidtmiller and Michelle Amon, but can expect a high-octane caliber performance from a talented and experienced core of returners and newcomers.
Senior Becca Maddock battled injury for part of her junior season, but returned to contribute seven goals and stand fourth on the team in scoring. Sophomore Shannon Sloss made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign, finishing second on the team with 10 goals and 22 points and earning 2013 BIG EAST Rookie of the Year honors. Redshirt senior Rachel McCarthy will be making her first official appearance in a Louisville uniform after sitting out last season. Prior to arriving at UofL, she was a three-year starter and two-time All-American while playing for 2012 NCAA Division II runner-up and 2010 national champion UMass Lowell. Sophomore Hailey Netherton and freshmen Anna DuFour and Marigrace Ragsdale will also compete for playing time.
"We have some big shoes to fill but equally enthusiastic for our spirited forward line. We can expect a high work rate, tenacious attitude and excitement. Our attack will be led by Becca Maddock whose energy, passion and courage will shine. Shannon Sloss came off a great freshman campaign and will play a significant role. Rachel McCarthy has had a year of preparation for this opportunity and will be a contributing force. Freshman Nicole Woods had a great summer with selection to the USA U19 squad and could be another threat on our attack."
Tough Slate
The Cardinals' 2014 slate features four top 10 teams including 2013 NCAA runner-up Duke and semifinalist North Carolina. Additionally, nine of Louisville's 19 opponents finished last season ranked in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association top 20.
"The 2014 schedule is the most challenging that our program has faced and it is equally exciting," said Sowry. "We have been working hard toward the transition into the ACC, the toughest field hockey conference in the nation. Our non-conference games are equally demanding and those games will prepare us for what we will be facing on a more regular basis. We will now be playing in different regions of the country which will also enable greater exposure for our current and future Cardinal fan base. This is an amazing opportunity for our program and we cannot wait to get started."
